Dave Redinger's The Neighbourhood Mechanic 3/22/06

If I was asked once, I was
asked a hundred times…How often should I change my oil? Oil does a
remarkable job. Not only does oil lubricate the inside of the engine it
cleans and cools at the same time. At high rpm oil circulates at 80 to 90
psi. No one could argue that modern engines work oil extremely hard. So
when do change the oil? I recommend every 4 months or 5000kms (8000 if
you’re running synthetic). I short change the oil every change of
season. Installing fresh oil is the best thing you could do for your
engine.

I have
a 2000 Chevrolet Venture Van V6. Three days ago I turned on the rear wiper
and I noticed that it was turning very slow and then suddenly it stopped.
Since then it is not working anymore. What can I do? Is the motor gone?
What seems to be the problem?

Vilma

The
rear wiper shaft is seizing....Probably can still save it by lubrication
the shaft and allowing it to run for at least an hour...to avoid this in
the future make sure you service the unit and use more often...use it or
lose it...By the way spring is a good time to lubricate all the locks,
doors, gas door, etc. anything that moves.

I own a 1998 Chrysler Intrepid but according to a
mechanic it has a broken rocker arm and has some lower end noise that
cannot be identified. The mechanic also says that the 2.7 litre engines all
seem to have big problems at high kilometers. Mine has about 174000 kms.
The rest of the car is in really good condition, just a couple of tiny rust
spots. I asked about fixing it and was told that a rebuild would cost
$4000.00, $2500 for the used engine plus labour and tax. What do I do? What
should I ask for this car as is?

Alan I'm sorry to inform you
but your tech is “right on the money”...Even as salvage the
unit does not have much value due to high mileage...I think I would be
asking $500. Best advice here would be to appraise the vehicle’s
mechanical condition. If you decide to restore the car I would put in the
new engine. While you’re in there have he transmission serviced as
well. The money spent is still less than the cost of a new vehicle.

Dave Redinger a mechanic
with over 40 yrs of experience. Dave operates his shop “DOCTOR H
HONDA SPECIALISTS in Toronto for the last 25 yrs.